From George Washington to David Bell, 12 April 1756
To David Bell
[Winchester, 12 April 1756]
To Captain David Bell. of the Virginia Regiment.
If you find it impossible to procure a sufficient number of canoes to transport the Stores at Conogchieg to Fort Cumberland at one Trip[,] you are to endeavour to engage as many as you can, to be in readiness against Captain Gists return: and then proceed with them, and those that come with Captain Gist, to Fort Cumberland. Captain Gist is to remain at Conogochieg with his Party, until further Orders. I have sent Mr Campbell a months pay,1 seven pounds fifteen shillings, My hurry of Business prevented me from doing last opportunity. Desire him to give credit to the pay-master for so much; as it will be charged to him. I am &c.
G:W.
LB, DLC:GW.
1. Lt. John Campbell, whom GW assigned to David Bell’s company in Sept. 1755, remained in the regiment until he was killed in Sept. 1758 when Maj. James Grant’s expedition met disaster. A lieutenant’s pay in the Virginia Regiment was 5s. a day, or £7 15s. for the 31 days in March.